Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History

From the anonymous Scout who helped W.D. Boyce cross the street in pea-soup London fog to today's most notable Eagle Scouts (including Secretary of Defense Robert H. Gates), this colorful volume lays out the century-long story of a quintessentially American organization, the Boy Scouts of America, for readers of all ages. Author, editor and Eagle Scout Wills (Destination America) outlines the origins and evolution of an organization he clearly cherishes, turning up stories and information that should be new to even the most well-read scout or den mother, concerning scouting's early years, the creation of various merit badges, and the establishment of time-honored BSA ideals like service, preparedness, kindness, and bravery. Many historical vignettes evoke simpler times, straightforward values and a refreshing search for heroism that will resonate with Scouts and the nostalgic, but also charts the early organizations that competed for the opportunity to shape American youth. Wills doesn't ignore controversial issues that the BSA has faced, alongside society-at-large, including segregation, gender equity, religious conflict, and the struggle to maintain a wholesome, enlightened environment. A century's worth of paintings, photos, memorabilia and documents complete this fascinating retrospective, a deep well of can-do Americana.